What are the Rhodophyta, what are their characteristic features and where do they occur in the marine environment?

Question 1

What are the rhodophyta?

Answer 1

• A phylum of algae that is often pink or red in colour due to the presence of the pigments phytocyanin ands phycoerythrin. Members of Rhodophyta may be unicellular or multicellular, the latter form branched flattened thali or filaments. They are commonly found along the coasts of tropical areas. Sexual reproduction is by carpospores
• Rhodophyta is a subgroup of algae that often appears to be red in appearance, although not always has potential to be bleached
• Occurs in the benthic region of the marine environment.

Question 2

What are the characteristic features of the rhodophyta?

Answer 2

see the table